Blakely just the medicine for Fremantle after yet another injury substitute appearance in Richmond win

In yet another appearance as a medical substitute, Bunbury’s Connor Blakely has produced arguably his best performance at AFL level this season, providing a calm head for the Dockers as they held on for a four-point victory over Richmond. The 7.13 (55) to 6.15 (51) victory propels the Dockers from 12th spot back inside the top eight with just three games to go. Blakely was activated after forward Bailey Banfield suffered a sickening head-knock in the second quarter and was stretchered off after a lengthy delay to play. Blakely had 17 touches, bringing some calmness and composure to a game that otherwise lacked both. He spread hard from the contest and was productive once he got the ball on the outside, disposing of it at an impressive 94 per cent. It was a different style of game from the former Bunbury Bulldog, who has been roundly criticised for his ball use in his normal role on the inside. Blakely did, however, have a nightmare moment - run down by Matthew Parker as he attempted to carry the ball off the last line of defence, resulting in a holding the ball decision and what should have been a goal for the Tigers during the second term. Meanwhile, Tobe Watson was a solid contributor down back for the Dockers in the win, coming into the side in place of the injured Alex Pearce. Watson took five marks in defence, peeling off his own man to help teammates in one-on-ones, including a stunning bit of play that started with a thumping spoil at half-back and finished with him delivering a pass to a teammate having run down his own defensive work. Pearce is set to miss just the one game, after being subjected to the AFL’s mandatory 12-day concussion protocols, and is expected to return for Fremantle’s clash with Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Saturday. It means Watson’s spot may be a talking point at the selection table this week despite his credible performance. Meanwhile, former Busselton Magpie Damon Greaves also made an appearance as a medical substitute - his first ever - in Hawthorn’s upset victory over Brisbane. The 14.8 (92) to 12.8 (80) win in Launceston came at the end of a week of upheaval at the club, with four-time premiership coach Alistair Clarkson announcing this season would be his last as coach. Greaves had just four touches, - all kicks - having come on to the ground for the injured Mitch Lewis.